: Springsteen initially began writing the song in 1981 with the title "Vietnam".
: It was partly inspired by Ron Kovic, a paralyzed Vietnam veteran and activist who wrote Born on the Fourth of July . Political Misinterpretation born_in_the_usa
The song follows a blue-collar protagonist who is drafted after getting into a "hometown jam" and sent to fight in Vietnam. Upon returning home, he faces a country that has no place for him : he is rejected by hiring managers at the local refinery and finds little support from the V.A.. : Springsteen initially began writing the song in
: The song’s longevity is often attributed to the vast distance between its grim verses and its joyous, anthemic chorus . Upon returning home, he faces a country that
The song is famous for its misinterpretation by political figures , most notably during President Ronald Reagan's 1984 re-election campaign. Reagan praised the song's "message of hope," likely missing the irony and subtext regarding the disenfranchisement of the American working class. Key Lyrics What Does 'Born In The U.S.A.' Really Mean? - NPR